ATP Tour

Old King, New Order: Djokovic & Sinner set for Australian Open SF blockbuster

There are nights at Melbourne Park when the future knocks loudly on the door, and others when history refuses to move aside. Friday’s Australian Open semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner promises a collision of both.

Sinner, the two-defending champion, is aiming to join Djokovic as the only men in the Open Era to win three consecutive titles in Melbourne, but the 38-year-old — who boasts a record 10 trophies — still refuses to loosen his grip on his most successful tournament. Their clash is slated for 7:30 p.m. local time / 3:30 a.m. EST.

Although the Australian Open remains Djokovic’s domain, Sinner has won his past five Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings against the Serbian, including straight-sets victories in the semi-finals of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon last season.

🎾Sinner vs Djokovic🧐

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Sinner, for his part, has been quick to frame the contest with respect and perspective.

“It's great to have Novak playing at this level,” Sinner said of Djokovic, who is chasing a record 25th major title. “It's a Grand Slam, it's always very difficult against Novak… He is, I think, the most professional athlete we have here in the locker room. I also try to be as professional as possible.

“He has a huge package of experience with himself. He knows how to handle every situation the best possible way. As a 24-year-old, I'm lucky to have someone like him in front of my eyes, and I can hopefully learn something. I feel like every day, every time he plays, I can learn something about him, about Carlos, about all the other great, great players.”

“I think the way he's playing, the way he's moving, if you are not professional, you don't play at this level. He's an inspiration to all of us and especially the young players.”

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Sinner’s evolution has been underpinned by ruthless baseline efficiency and improved point-ending instincts, qualities that have repeatedly troubled Djokovic in recent meetings. The 24-year-old's ability to take time away has neutralised the Serbian’s famed defensive elasticity.

For Djokovic to turn the tide and book his spot in an 11th Australian Open final, the tactical demands are steep. Variety will be essential, as it was during the latter stages of his Roland Garros campaign last year but, above all, Djokovic must impose uncertainty.

The No. 4 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, knows the scale of the challenge.

“He's just playing on such a high level right now, along with Carlos. They're the two best players in the world,” Djokovic said. “[They are] absolute favourites, but you never know… Hopefully I can deliver my A-game for that matchup, because that's what's going to be needed at least to have a chance.”

Last year, Djokovic produced a stirring quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne before the Spaniard later exacted revenge en route to the US Open crown. Sinner and Alcaraz have split the past eight major titles, shaping a rivalry many believe will define the next era.

But Djokovic has never measured himself by trends.

“Are they better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are,” Djokovic admitted. “The quality and the level is amazing. It's great. It's phenomenal. But does that mean that I walk out with a white flag? No.”